Israeli carriers begin strike in protest of Open Skies agreement

PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia and Israir began a strike at 5 am on Sunday, April 21 morning by grounding their fleets in protest of the cabinet's decision to pass an Open Skies agreement with the European Union. The Israeli air carriers demanded the government table the decision for a later date, The Jerusalem Post reported.

If passed, the agreement would introduce greater competition, which could theoretically bring down prices and force airlines to make difficult business decisions.

El Al announced Saturday evening that cancellations and changes would apply to flights departing from 5 am on Sunday.

The airline advised passengers to turn to the El Al website for updated information about their specific flight.

For many of the flights the airline pushed ahead departure times to significantly earlier hours.

Israir also warned customers that due to the strike, most flights after 5 am on Sunday would be either canceled or changed.

Arkia meanwhile asked passengers to remain updated about their flights by checking online statuses, and ensured that the airline would do all in its power to allow for smooth travel.